"Authentically 'Un-Contained'?" Are you?
Thursday August 18, 2011
Photo: Courtesy of Paige Bradley
"From the moment we are born, the world tends to have a container already built for us to fit inside: a social security number, a gender, a race, a profession or an I.Q...Would we still be able to exist if we were authentically 'un-contained'?"—Paige Bradley, the artist behind the astonishing sculpture Expansion (right) which says the same thing without words.
I saw this over at the Oprah Life Lift FB page. I thought it was a really intriguing question. BUT, more than that, the picture really "caught me". It is an empowering picture but also brings a sense of calm as well.
I think back on all the things that effected the way I acted or the things I chose to do in life. For me, I felt this pretty early in life - as a kid & not even having a job or anything like that but I did have a race & gender. Just the pressures of kids & what was expected of me. And yes, as we age, we become more "contained" for the most part, not all of us but a lot. Do/Did you feel contained OR do you think it is just what made you who you are now?
What do you think? How does that picture make you feel?
Also have to wish HAPPY BDAY to my brother-in-law, hubby's youngest brother. ENJOY
Categories: Awareness, Life, Family, Life Experiences, Inspirational Quotes, Acceptance, Inspiration
Tags: acceptance awareness inspiration inspirational quotes life life experiences Oprah
I struggle to come up with it, but it reminds me of we are here temporarily. This is not our home.
Love your posts, they make me think so early!
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Thx Sherei & an interesting comment by you...
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I like how she has combined light with a solid figurative piece!
It seems that when we are younger, the world confines us, but as we get older, we tend to confine ourselves.
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Dr. J - I love your comment & that just about says it all! Makes me think!
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I just kept looking at it, for several minutes. So many thoughts. I want my insides to match my outsides. I sometimes think about all these nice gestures, things I could, should do, but I get caught up and don't follow through
It also made me think about this time, now... Here is temporary, we all have an energy inside that is beautiful if we would only be able to see it and let it shine through
Where is this sculpture? New York?
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Karla, interesting that Sheri thought that too... it really is an amazing sculpture!
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Yes, I think everyone struggles on who they are but it does get better with age. I always feel I should be doing more with my life....
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Sian, I hear you there!
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Something about that picture bothers me and I can't quite put my finger on it.
I think a lot of how we turn out depends on how much our family and environment lets us explore versus trying to keep us in the box.
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Lori, that is a true comment!
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That sculpture is beautiful. Made me think of a human pheonix...about the glory of your soul just straining to get out...
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Geosomin, love your comment!
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Lovely thought provoking post Jody. Hmm... I may be just a number to some, or just a woman or just a Canadian, but I'm a full package, and I hope I keep evolving and doing what makes me happy in the moment. That is a very powerful image too! Have a great Thursday.
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Roz, I have no doubt you will do just that!
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Oh today I wanna BE that photo.
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Me too Carla!
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Wow...that photo is really crackling with intensity...and the question? I think as much as we are "contained" by what society thinks we should be, we also create our own containers. The good news is that we can change them
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